Mandibular Advancement Device with Interlocking Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mandibular advancement devices for snoring and sleep apnea require custom fitting, are costly, time-consuming, and often restrict natural jaw movement, leading to discomfort and mechanical failure due to wear and lack of reinforcement.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece mandibular advancement device made from flexible thermoplastic elastomer with interlocking ridges and airflow posts, allowing for durable, easy-to-use, and comfortable mandibular advancement without the need for custom fitting, featuring a hinging mechanism that maintains offset and prevents complete closure, ensuring consistent airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple hinge mechanism is used to allow jaw movement, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to wear and lack of mechanical reinforcement
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is segmented into multiple components: a first element with a channel, a second element with a protrusion that fits into the channel, and a reinforcement element with engagement features. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while working together to provide both movement and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly combines multiple elements made from potentially different materials or structural configurations. The reinforcement element with engagement features acts as a composite structure that integrates the flexibility needed for movement with the strength required for durability, preventing wear-related failure.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom molding is required to shape the device to a user's teeth, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture and productivity deteriorate due to professional expertise requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed as a universal appliance that can be manufactured using standard molding processes without requiring custom fitting by dental professionals. The hinge mechanism and tray design accommodate general anatomical variations, allowing the device to be produced in advance and used immediately, eliminating the need for professional customization while maintaining adequate fit and function.
3Manufacturing precision
If the upper and lower trays force the jaw in a fixed position, then mandibular advancement is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to restriction of natural jaw movement
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the jaw position. The first element with channel, second element with protrusion, and reinforcement element with engagement features work together to allow the jaw to move through a range of motion while maintaining the advanced position. This dynamic design lets users open and close their mouths naturally while the device maintains mandibular advancement during the closed or partially closed state.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is an oral appliance for prevention of sleeping problems including snoring, sleep apnea and bruxism. Specifically, the appliance alters the position of the user's mandible, which is known as a method for reducing the restriction of the flow of air through the pharyngeal passageway. The appliance is a one-piece device molded from a flexible polymer such as Kraton®. It includes an upper maxillary tray and a lower mandibulary tray. Both upper and lower trays include inner and outer walls which increase contact area with the teeth.. The hinge mechanism of the device includes a positive positioning system comprised of opposed interlocking ridges. The ridges serve to create offset between the position of the upper tray and lower tray relative to each other, therefore advancing the user's mandible. Additional features include airflow posts to keep the mouthpiece from sealing completely, a cleft contour, and a tooth retention tab.